I am 43 years old and my husband wants a baby. I don't mind but are scared of falling pregnant to "late" in my

Question

life....surely down sindrome is a high possibility...what are the risk factors?

Answer 1

Sounds like you both need a reality check. You should educate yourself on the reality of the situation...and especially the risks involved: http://www.womenfitness.net/pregnancy_at_40.htm

I hope you realize that It is pretty unlikely that you will be able to get pregnant on your own (without medical intervention), but if that's not enough to put you off the idea, consider that you will be over 60 years old when your child starts college. Is this what you had in mind for your golden years?

Answer 2

I found out I was pregnant the day before I turned 44. This is what my specialist said:

30% chance of a problem incompatible with life (baby dies)

30% chance of a problem that AFFECTS life (could be mild to extreme)

40% chance of a normal baby.

Then he did the ultrasound and the hearbeat was very slow, I lost the baby 9 days later, it was pretty deformed.


So yes, there are significant risks, and you very likely will have a hard time getting pregnant. If you really want to go through with it I suggest using a young woman's donor egg.

If you don't want a child yourself, don't do it-it's not fair to the child.

Good luck!

Thumbs down? Did I not anwer her question?

Answer 3

Not exactly sure but I know the older you are the higher the risk is for having down sindrome. I would consult a specialist before you decide.

Answer 4

Certainly, there is a higher risk of birth defects for older women. Go talk to your OBGYN and get the proper information.

You should also talk to a genetic councilor, he will be able to look at your family histories and tell you the chances of problems.

Also, hopefully, you and he don't have fertility problems. My wife and I thought about having more in our late 30's and couldn't because we had 'waited' too long.

Personally, I don't think 43 is too old... assuming you are healthy and that your marriage is strong.

Answer 5

If you are in good shape (and continue to take care of yourself) 43 is not too old to have a baby any more. You will probably have to have a little more careful monitoring by your doctor.

Good luck! There is nothing better than a new baby in your life!!!

Answer 6

my friend just had a Baby with 43. It is best if you go and see your GYNO and ask him/her all the risk factors of a late pregnancy . But then a lot of women have their first baby in that age

Answer 7

If your husband wants a baby, there are two possible answers, a is you could have the baby and take the risks, or b , you could adopt!Baby's in foster homes don't nkow who their parents are or don't have a real home! Maybe both! If you adopt, you could take away the pain from their lives and make their little lives start all over!

Answer 8

My grandma had my mom when shes was 41 and had another when she was 43. They are both normal, with no down syndrome. The area in which i live a lot of people are pregnant around that age with no complications.

Answer 9

If you've never had a child before, it would be even more difficult to have a pregnancy this late in life. Not only are you at risk past 35 for more birth defects, you're also more at risk for a multiple birth even without fertility drugs.

Answer 10

That risk does increase along with numerous others. There are tons of children in Africa that need homes. If you are too afraid of the risks perhaps you should adopt.